More Thoughts on The Secret Life of the American Teenager

As I was watching the season premiere on The Secrets of the American Teenager, I was disappointed to learn that Molly Ringwald's character, Ann was pregnant. She is the mother of Amy on the show who was pregnant last season and is now taking care of her infant son. The father, George, was supportive of Ann although he is not the father for the baby. This was a huge blow to Amy, who had beat herself up over her own mistake and will never be the same in regards to her own mistake. George told Amy he needed to love her mom and support her mistake because apparently their family makes a lot of mistakes.

I agree that when our loved ones make mistakes that we should be supportive and loving to them. However, we should also address why these mistakes happened and try to not make them again. We should be always learning and trying to become better in this life. The question Amy and probably every teenager is asking who watches the show is, is there a double standard for adults? Teens are suppose to wait until marriage, but are their parents who are single and divorced suppose to wait and live by the same rules? The answers are "No" there should not be a double standard and "Yes" adults should be living by the same rules of dating. They should be the teens examples and role models to dating. However, our culture says otherwise. We are inundated with wrong messages like this one on television and in the movies, but also in real life with our culture. Unfortunately, adults and parents are the wrong roles models most of the time to their kids.

Let's briefly discuss the standards that are appropriate for not only teens but for their parents and for adults period. Sexual intimacy should not be a part of the dating process this is a gift you give to you spouse reserved for marriage and given to them on the day of your wedding. The dating standards involve going on dates that would not place yourself in an sexually intimate position. Make it clear from the beginning that there will be boundaries and discuss them prior to the first date or on the first date in a setting that would be safe and comfortable. Have friends and family meet your dates. In regards to the boundaries you set as a couple, make sure you follow the plan and have a friend hold you accountable. Allow yourself to be held accountable to questions following your dates and be honest with them and your self.

Using Molly Ringwald's character as a classic example of mistakes women and men make in relationships, I want to point out what not to do on your dates. First, she had sex on the first date. What is wrong with this picture? This is a huge mistake for laying a strong foundation to the relationship. You want a relationship that begins with mutual respect, friendship and companionship. You do not want a relationship that only involves sex because it is about lust and not love. The initial dates are about learning to communicate with one another to establish whether you are compatible with one another. If you relationship is based solely on sex you will not clearly know whether he or she is right for you. Ann also was not even divorced yet, and she is having sex with someone she really did not know at all. She opened the door to possibly contracting a sexually transmitted disease and she eventually gets pregnant due to having unprotected sex. This gives confusing message and example to her children. She does not appear to be a strong role model at all. I have 10 healthy dating tips for people who are single whether they have been married or not. They are detailed on the side of my blog. All of these things are important to think about and I sincerely hope whether you are a Christian or Non-Christian you will put some deep thought and action to things I have written about today. Lastly, I challenge you to Live the Faith For Jesus by living the word of God daily whether you are a teen or an adult!!!!

Psalm 37: 3-4
"Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."